Mobile gaming's remarkable acceleration of game design innovation is something we truly appreciate. The unique, buttonless design of smartphones, coupled with their vast user base, has propelled video games in unforeseen directions. Roia perfectly exemplifies this.
This innovative puzzle-adventure game is the latest creation from Emoak, the ambitious indie studio behind successful titles like Paper Climb, Machinaero, and the award-winning Lyxo.
Surprisingly, Roia's core objective is to create a river. Starting from a mountain peak, players gently guide a cascading stream towards the sea by skillfully manipulating the terrain with their finger.
Emoak's press release reveals the deeply personal connection Roia holds for lead designer Tobias Sturn. His childhood memories of playing in a creek behind his grandparents' house, building waterwheels and bridges with his grandfather, heavily influenced the game's design. The game is dedicated to his grandfather, who passed away during its development.
Roia defies simple genre classification. While challenges exist, the primary focus is on relaxation. Players traverse diverse handcrafted environments – forests, meadows, charming villages – guided by a helpful white bird.
The game's elegant, minimalist aesthetic, reminiscent of Monument Valley, is complemented by a captivating soundtrack composed by Johannes Johannson, also responsible for the music in Emoak's Lyxo.
Roia is available now on the Google Play Store and the App Store for $2.99.
